Become The Change!

Wow! It’s almost 2018! Happy New Year! Most of us want to set resolutions for the new year, but if you’re like me, you’ll break them before January is over. I resolve the same things every year: get out of debt, save money, lose weight, exercise, etc. Blah, blah, blah!

There are things this year I want to resolve (the firm determination to do something) and I’m sure, maybe, I will, maybe. But it’s hard to focus on changing yourself! You are your worst critic. So it’s easier to give up and no one really knows anyway; unless you tell them.

This year, let’s change our mindsets. Let resolve to focus on others this year. When you focus on other instead of yourself, you forget all about what you need to resolve. Begin the change by sharing a smile, a handshake or a hug. Choose to listen instead of talk, let someone go ahead of you in line, help someone with their groceries, pay it forward in the drive-thru line, invite someone to dinner or the movies, volunteer to babysit a busy mom/dad’s children so they can rest, take someone to church and introduce them to Jesus, make a gift basket for someone who doesn’t get out much and shower some love on a pet.

Simple, but effective. Not for you, but for others. It doesn’t take a lot to add to someone’s life. It isn’t rocket science. You don’t have to get out of debt first or save money. You don’t have to lose weight or exercise first. You don’t have to be rich and successful. You just have to be kind, good, faithful, gentle, lovable, peaceful, joyful, patient and have self-control. These are the Fruits of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22.

We want kids in school to change their mindset from “I can’t do it” to “I can try it.” It’s called the growth mindset. If we expect kids to change how they think, why shouldn’t we? You can try to change yourself or you can let God change you while you are being the change for someone else who then can change another and so on.

What do you resolve to do this year? Is it for you or someone else? Here’s a tip: If you let God have control of your life and lead you where He needs you to be, your resolves will be resolved. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

Let God give you your future, your new year, your new you! Your resolves will change, your life will change, you will become the change!